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Day 1 REYKJAVIK / ICELAND
We board the M/V Polar Star in the
Icelandic capital to begin our journey to Greenland.
Day 2 AT SEA
During this time at sea, the lecture
program begins and there is also time to read, relax and
wander the decks. During the voyage it is possible to see
perhaps White-beaked dolphin, Humpback or Minke whale and
birds such as kittiwake, gannet, guillemot, fulmar and
razorbill.
Day 3 SCORESBY SUND FJORD
Entering Scoresbysund Fjord, the first
stop is at Ittoqqortoormiit, the most northerly permanent
settlement in East Greenland. The museum, Women’s House,
weather station, church and other public facilities are open
for visits. There is a walking tour of this colorful
settlement with Greenlandic (Inuit)
residents and many sled dogs. From there, the exploration of
the fjord itself begins.
Day 4 & 5 EAST GREENLAND
With two more full days in
Scoresbysund Fjord, there is ample time for a more in-depth
exploration of this network of fjords reaching inland
towards the ice cap. The landscape is impressive with basalt
peaks, walls of granite and icebergs calving from the
glaciers. It is considered the beginning of the High Arctic.
Day 6 NANSEN FJORD
Often ice laden, Nansen Fjord provides
spectacular views of Christian IV Glacier and Gunnbjorn
Fjeld, the highest mountain above the Arctic Circle. As
always we continue our watch for wildlife and today we will
spend time looking out for two species of northern geese,
seals, the elusive Polar Bear and even more rare narwhal.
Day 7 KANGERLUSSUAQ FJORD
Greenland’s widest ice-free zone,
Kangerlussuaq Fjord still boasts spectacular glaciers and
icebergs and a coastline of sheer cliffs. A landing is
planned at an archaeological site with remains of Thule
dwellings. Caribou, Musk Ox, Polar Bear and the timid Ivory
gull have been seen here.
Day 8 EAST GREENLAND
This is a day of “gunkholing” a term
used by sailors when they poke along the shore during a
cruise. The day will include a foray into Kangertigtvatsiaq
Fjord with either a landing or Zodiac cruise planned.
Day 9 TASSILAQ FJORD
Tassilaq Fjord and community were
formerly known as Ammassalik. The town is located on an
island and the fjord runs up from the west side. At the top
end is Sermilik Fjord where a shore landing is planned. The
town of Tassilaq is larger than Scoresbysund and gives a
real insight into life in the
north. Witness daily life and see Greenlandic dogs, winter
houses, traditional carvings and the local museum.
Day 10 AT SEA
Crossing the Denmark Strait to
Iceland, keep a vigilant watch for wildlife, attend lectures
and relax.
Day 11 WESTMANN ISLANDS
Along the southwest coast of Iceland
lies the world’s youngest archipelago, Westmann Islands.
Because of their youth, many consider them to be the most
ruggedly beautiful islands in the world. There are sheer
cliffs, lava fields, a crater area and only one populated
town, Heimey on the largest island Heimey. It is an
important fishing center. Whales may be seen in the
surrounding waters and there are large echo-filled sea caves
to explore.
Day 12
REYKJAVIK
Our journey ends where it began and we
disembark in Reykjavik after breakfast. Explore Iceland on your own or
begin your homeward journey.
PS
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MV Polar Star Cabin Plan
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